 |
 |
|
|
|
||
MassachusettsFall OrnamentalsThe following is information on some of the more common ornamental crops for sale at local farms:Indian CornAlthough Indian corn has been a traditional autumn favorite for many years, it has seen growing popularity year round in flower arrangements, wreaths and centerpieces. Miniature Indian corn and specialty corn have played a role in this trend. Any decor can be complemented by the warm autumn shades of traditional corn or by the increasingly popular shades of attractive country blue and strikingly deep burgundy. Specialty corn such as Strawberry Popcorn and Miniature Blue Corn are unique. They add color and a country flavor to flower arrangements and center pieces without overpowering them. The Indian Corn comes in the traditional size as well as in the miniature size; Blue Corn and Strawberry Popcorn are available in miniature size only. The flexibility provided by the smaller sizes and color combinations makes corn ideal for year round decorating. Sheaves of corn stalks are also available with yellow cobs or Indian cobs. Another type of corn available in Massachusetts is pop corn. Though popcorn probably originated in Mexico, it was grown in China, Sumatra and India years before Columbus visited America.It is believed that the first use of wild and early cultivated corn was popping. Indian corn is named for the native North Americans who cultivated corn as far back as 7000 years ago and introduced it to the European explorers in the sixteenth century. Corn was a major food staple for the first Europeans who settled in North America. It is particularly fitting to associate the Indian corn with Thanksgiving because of the sustenance it provided to the pilgrims and early settlers. The association between the Native North Americans and this important dietary staple and harvest symbol remains to this day. Today, corn (maize) is one of the most important crops in the world. GourdsDid you know that a gourd is actually a fruit? It is in the same family as pumpkin and squash; although, unlike its cousins, it is grown mainly for its ornamental function. Gourds grow on a vine similar to pumpkins. Unlike their edible cousins, fresh gourds have a sour bitter taste. When gourds dry out naturally they leave a hard, wood-like shell with only the seeds left inside. Historically, gourds were used to carry water. Other uses included buoys, musical instruments, nesting boxes, and ornaments. Birdhouse gourds are a popular type of gourd available at many local farmstands. Once gourds are dry they won't shrink, rot or change shape.Their hard shell makes them perfect for containers and crafts. They can be painted, burned, carved, polished or stained. In fact, anything you can apply to wood can be applied to a gourd. Some people use long-lasting acrylic paint to decorate gourds. Chinese LanternsThis spectacular flower is in the Physalis genus, which is a group of herbaceous plants belonging to the solanaceae (nightshade) family, related to tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Some are grown in the garden for their large, brightly colored, inflated papery husks and others for their small, edible fruits. Most are native to warm climates and are sensitive to cold temperatures, so start plants early indoors. Chinese lantern, Physalis alkekengi is a perennial that grows up to two feet tall and bears small, white flowers followed by large, balloon-like husks. Inside each 2-inch long husk is a small edible but tasteless scarlet fruit. The Chinese lantern plant is valued for its inflated orange-red seed coverings, which resemble miniature Chinese lanterns. For winter bouquets, cut the stems in fall just as the lanterns turn color, remove the leaves and hang them, right side up, to dry in a shady, airy place. Delicata and Sweet Dumpling SquashAnd now for an ornamental fall treat that you can eat: another great vegetable to look for in the stores at this time is the Delicata and Sweet Dumpling squash, which make a great accompaniment to turkey. These are small gray/green and cream striped squash. Delicata is a long narrow shaped squash and Sweet Dumpling has a round, pumpkin shape. These two, the sweetest of all squash, are small, perfect for one or two servings, and even the kids will love them. To prepare, simply halve the Delicata, pull off the seed, turn them upside down on a platter that you have sprayed with cooking spray, and microwave for seven minutes. With the Sweet Dumplings, cut around the stalk, lift it out, and with your fingers or a bent fork, scoop out the seeds, drop in some butter and brown sugar and pop in the microwave for 12 minutes.  |
On this page: Other Commodity Fact Sheets |
|
 |
||
